Chris Froome takes on World Championships challenge after Vuelta triumph

By PA Sport

12/09/2017 at 19:58Updated 12/09/2017 at 21:52

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La Vuelta winner Chris Froome will compete in the time trial at the UCI Road World Championships in Norway next week, British Cycling has announced.

Froome, fresh from completing a rare Tour-Vuelta double in Madrid at the weekend, will not take part in the road race in Bergen. But he will take one of Britain's two places in the time trial, with reigning British champion Steve Cummings getting the other.

The men's time trial in Bergen on Wednesday, September 20 will be contested over a 31-kilometre course which features one significant climb up Mount Floyen at the finish. Froome's main rivals are expected to be Giro d'Italia winner Tom Dumoulin of Holland and the reigning world time trial champion Tony Martin of Germany.

Froome, who took bronze in the Olympic time trial in Rio last year, also intends to ride in the team time trial - contested by trade teams - for Team Sky.

There is no space for Mark Cavendish in Britain's nine-man squad for the men's road race as the Manxman continues his recovery from the shoulder injury which ended his Tour de France in July, while Geraint Thomas is also absent after a testing season which saw him crash out of both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France.

Former world champion Lizzie Deignan is fit to lead the women's team following an appendectomy, and will be supported by Hannah and Alice Barnes, Elinor Barker, Dani King, Mel Lowther and Hayley Simmonds.

Hannah Barnes and Barker will contest the individual time trial.

Lizzie DeignanGetty Images

British Cycling's head coach Iain Dyer said: "Selection for this year's Road World Championships was a difficult one due to the depth of talent we have in Great Britain across the board, which is a good position to be in.

"I'm delighted to see Chris Froome wishing to finish his season in Great Britain Cycling Team colours after another fantastic year for him and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action on a course which suits his strengths.

"Equally, I'm pleased to see Lizzie selected for the women's road race following her recent illness. Lizzie will be supported by a full-strength women's team which is testament to how much women's cycling is growing in this country in general but also the investment we have made in developing our best female road riders."